Episode Details

Miami lost two first-round defensive ends, Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. All offseason the take was that the pass rush would fall off a cliff. Five games into 2026, I lined up this year's defensive line against last year's through the same five games, using the same official stats for both seasons.

The sacks went UP, from 12 to 16. Opponents are running for 1.84 yards a carry, down from 2.82. Points allowed dropped from 13.6 a game to 9.8.

In this video:

🔸 Bain's real regular-season sack number, and why the "cliff" talk was built on his playoff run

🔸 Why this is a fair test: both schedules have the same shape

🔸 Lightfoot + Wilson II vs. Bain + Mesidor, edge pair against edge pair

🔸 Damon Wilson II going from zero pressures to 11 at Clemson

🔸 Ahmad Moten and Justin Scott: a year older, and both first-rounders in ESPN's way-too-early 2027 mock

🔸 The next layer: Scroggins, Carter, Keona Davis and Pickett, and what happened when Lightfoot went down in Death Valley

🔸 The catch: tackles for loss, the schedule, and Lightfoot's status heading into Florida State

Who's your breakout on this front? Let me know in the comments.

Stats: official NCAA game data via cfbstats. Pressures and grades: PFF, as reported by On3, 247Sports and SI. Snap counts: CanesInSight and SI charting.

#MiamiHurricanes #Canes #GoCanes #ACCFootball #CollegeFootball #JasonTaylor

The Echevarria Law Firm — proud title sponsor of Canes Pulse.

Free consultation → calleche.com

Instagram & TikTok: @echevarrialegal

The Echevarria Law Firm — Check the scoreboard.

Paper Boy Co - Stickers, Banners, Posters, Wall Vinyl, and more. paperboy has you covered.

https://www.instagram.com/paper.boy.co?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Ariz Law PA: Coral Gables Law Firm – Estate Planning, Business Law & Real Estate

Attorneys Specializing in Corporate Law, Probate, Wills & Trusts

Protect the People and Assets You Value Most. Plan Your Future

arizlawpa.com